[Steel Wolf]

Fascinating historical match up. The Knights of Malta are, vaguely, the modern incarnation of the Knights Hospitaller, or the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.

Crusaders.

I supposed when you're getting your ass kicked in the 21st century, it's comforting to imagine yourself back in the 12th, fighting opponents who you stood a chance of beating.

[TheThirdRuffian]

The KOM are also the second highest order of Christian Freemasons, sworn to protect Christiandom (whether Roman Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox) against Mohamedons.

[drpix]

"...fighting opponents who you stood a chance of beating."

In 1565, the armies of Islam attacked Malta - defended by greatly outnumbered Christian knights. After 30,000 Jihadis were sent to meet their 72 virgins, they broke off the attack and redirected the Jihad to Vienna... where their great Jihad meet the defeat that saved Europe.

Which is why "The Knights of Malta" sticks in their throat 500 years later.